Questions_Answers.docx

1. Is this a new requirement? If not, who is the incumbent, what is the contract number and are they eligible to bid on this?

This independent financial advisory is not a new requirement. It is part of the existing procedure to review Federal Ship Financing Program (Title XI) loan guarantee applications.

1. Please provide the approximate number of applications annually.

The number of applications reviewed annually varies greatly, but is dependent on subsidy available, number of applications submitted, and the overall need for these type of assets in the respective industries. The introduction of the Federal Financing Bank as the direct lender, restructuring the requirements to be eligible for Title XI financing, and the low interest rate environment has attracted more applicants. Currently, the Office of Marine Financing has 3 applications under review, and 2 applications to arrive within a few weeks.

1. What is the estimated level of effort?

Effort required to provide a comprehensive report validating the market and financial viability of the proposed project varies based on complexity of the project.

1. Please suggest the labor categories as well as the qualifications (e.g. education, work experience, etc.) for each labor category.

Qualifications

* Program Manager/Principal will serve as Program Manager for this engagement and will coordinate and direct the firm’s day-to-day activities under this BPA. In this capacity, he/she will be responsible for allocating work assignments to industry sector specialists and will lead the Team in the financial and quantitative activities required.

* Project Manager/Lead will be responsible for the historical financial analysis, financial viability analysis of project assumptions, and financial modeling/ratios.

* Financial Analyst/SME will analyze Title XI applications, particularly in the area of analyzing the economics and competitiveness of the proposed project.

* Financial Analyst/Junior will be responsible for assisting with financial analysis, economic soundness based on data derived from market studies, and report assembly.

1. Would the government consider extending the proposal due date 7 business days after receipt of answers to the questions so that bidders can have adequate time to provide a thorough response?

Extension has been granted through July 31, 2020.

From Summit

1. We have not been able to find instructions for submitting a proposal: is there additional guidance or another attachment that will be provided to the solicitation?

See Statement of Work and Criteria attached. Task Orders will be issued for each respective application when that phase of the review process approaches.

1. Is there a deadline for submitting questions regarding the solicitation?

There is no deadline for submitting questions regarding solicitations. The deadline to submit a solicitation is July 31, 2020.

1. How should pricing information be submitted for the BPA? Is there a representative task order, or will labor categories and rates suffice?

Task orders will be issued as required. Labor categories and rates shall suffice for submitting a proposal.